Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

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The Migratory Bird Treaty Act was enacted in 1918 in the United States. It was a treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States, in which both countries agreed to prevent the killing, capture or sale of a specific list of migratory birds. Later, several other countries joined the treaty to protect migratory birds. In fact, there are six countries that joined the treaty in total, including Mexico, Russia, Japan and Canada.

The Migratory Bird Treaty act was meant to protect the birds, including nests, feathers and eggs. In fact, dead birds are not excluded from the treaty. Over eight hundred species of migratory birds are on the list, which protects the birds and bird parts from abuse, sale or possession.

It is difficult for just one country to be charged with protecting any migratory species. If for example, only one country in the path of the migratory animal offers it protection, then the animal is in danger during other portions of its travel. For example, if whales are offered protection only in the United States waterways, they are in danger anytime they move outside of United States waterways. Treaties such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act offers the birds protection, wherever they are on their travels.

Without the act, many specifies may be in danger. In fact, there are many illegal operations which trap and sell migratory birds. However, the act allows for those individuals to be punished to the fullest extend of the law.